An electrostatographic recording apparatus and method includes recording of electrostatic images and a patch area on an endless imaging member. The recording is operative in accordance with adjustable parameters to adjust density of the patch area. A development station is operative in accordance with another parameter for adjusting density of the images and the patch area. A sensor senses density of a toned patch area and generates a first signal representing density of the toned patch area. A transfer station transfers images on the image member to a transfer medium. A cleaning station located downstream of the sensor and the transfer station cleans remnant toner and the patch area on the imaging member. The cleaning station is adjustable to alter cleaning performance. A process controller is responsive to the first signal and adjusts density of a subsequently formed toned patch area; and a controller is responsive to a second signal related to density of a toned patch area and the patch area after cleaning for adjusting an adjustable parameter of the cleaning station to adjust cleaning performance of the cleaning station.